Carry-on Baggage Allowance

Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. From packing to security checks, arranging for special circumstances such as children, pets, medical equipment or musical instruments, here's the information that you'll need to know.

The following applies to travel within the United States unless otherwise stated. Please check the country-specific chart below for exceptions to the U.S policies. Our Reservations agents can assist with policies or information not covered below.

 

How Much Can I Carry On?

You can carry on one bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits in the sizer and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height). The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall or 114cm (56 x 35 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.

Personal item - includes: small backpack purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as book bag or tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and must fit under the seat.

Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:

Outerwear such as coats/wraps/hats Book or newspaper Small bag of food to eat on the flight - see guidelines for liquids Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child Pillow or blanket

Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers and CPAP machines Therapeutic oxygen provided by the airline

If government regulations are more restrictive, they will apply.

Battery Tips* Carry spare lithium batteries for laptops, phones and cameras in your carry-on bag with the terminals covered/insulated

Restricted Items See the list of items that may not be carried on board including European Union rules for transporting animal products.

Keep in mind

• At some airports, carry-on baggage may be more restricted.
• Additional limits may be placed on carry-on bags because of aircraft stowage capacity.
• Limits may be imposed after the boarding process has begun.
• Carry-on roller board bags, duffle bags, large backpacks, or other personal items that don't fit in the overhead bins or under the seat must be checked at the gate and placed in the cargo compartment on American Eagle planes.
• Horizontal rolling garment bags must fit in the bag sizer and not exceed the following measurement: 22" long x 14" wide x 9" high or 114cm (56 x 35 x 23 cm). A bag that is 22" long by 24" high by 10.5" wide for a total of 56.5 inches would be too big therefore would not be allowed.

Packing

When traveling by air limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols may be carried in cabin bags including travel-size toiletries. Check the liquids and gels section for more information.

Now the TSA allows passengers to leave their laptop computers in bags that meet new "checkpoint friendly" standards. For more information see the TSA News Release*

 

Destination-Specific Guidelines

Liquids in carry-on baggage must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 3.4 oz/100 ml/ each. All liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in your checked baggage.

The containers must be packed in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag that does not exceed 8in x 8in (20cm x 20cm) or equivalent to one liter capacity per passenger.

Items must fit in the bag comfortably so that it closes completely and must be submitted for inspection separately from other carry-on baggage.

Liquids purchased from the secure concourse are allowed on the aircraft.

Exemptions to the liquids rule apply for liquid medicine or baby milk/food. View TSA guidelines for traveling with formula, breast milk or juice*

For international passengers connecting in the United States, Duty Free purchased liquids/gels/aerosols measuring 3.4 oz. or less may be brought on board after clearing customs only if the item is placed in a quart-size, clear plastic carry-on zip-top bag. Otherwise, these items will be confiscated. Additional conditions may apply, see chart.

Duty Free Purchases (except China, Japan and India) - Duty Free liquids purchased on a European Union (EU) airline or at an EU airport are only allowed when purchased on the same day as your travel. Duty Free liquid purchases must be carried in a bag that is tamper-evident and displays satisfactory proof that the liquid was purchased on the day of travel. See chart for China, Japan and India restrictions.

One small bag = Total dimensions (length + width + height) may not exceed 45 inches/ 114 cm, with each dimension no larger 22 in/56cm long, 18 in/45cm wide, and 10 in/25cm height.

The following applies to travel within the United States - including the 50 United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Check the country-specific chart below for exceptions to the U.S policies.

Travel from or connecting through	Liquids/Gels/Aerosols Allowed In Carry-On Baggage Through The Security Checkpoint	Liquids/Gels/Aerosols Purchased From The Secure Concourse And Duty Free Purchases	Carry-On Allowances
United States View main guidelines	Passengers may also carry on the following items, but must declare them to TSA at the screening checkpoint if not contained in a clear re-sealable 1 quart /1 liter plastic bag and/or are over 3.4 oz. /100ml: - Liquids (include juice) or gels for diabetic or other medical needs	Yes	Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.

Exceptions to U.S. Policies

Travel from or connecting through	Liquids/Gels/Aerosols Allowed In Carry-On Baggage Through The Security Checkpoint	Liquids/Gels/Aerosols Purchased From The Secure Concourse And Duty Free Purchases	Carry-On Allowances
Belgium View main guidelines		For international passengers connecting in Belgium, duty free liquids purchased in the U.S. or on-board a U.S exceeding 3.4 oz. will be confiscated by government authorities.	Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.
China View main guidelines	For diabetic passengers, up to 5 ounces of liquid/ gel medications or juice to address their medical condition.	Liquids purchased from the secure concourse may NOT be brought on the aircraft. Duty Free purchases are only allowed if they can be delivered directly to the aircraft.	One small bag.
Germany View main guidelines			Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.
India View main guidelines	Food items EXCEPT the following: camelbaks (similar backpacks and water bottles must be empty), gel-based sports supplements, gelatin, puddings, yogurts or gel-like substances. For diabetic passengers, up to 5 oz. of liquid/ gel medications or juice may be carried on to address their medical condition.	Liquids purchased from the secure concourse may NOT be brought on the aircraft. Duty Free purchases are only allowed if they can be delivered directly to the aircraft.	One small bag.
Ireland View main guidelines			Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.
Italy View main guidelines			Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.
Japan View main guidelines	For diabetic passengers, up to 5 ounces of liquid/ gel medications or juice to address their medical condition.	Liquids purchased from the secure concourse may NOT be brought on the aircraft. Duty Free purchases are only allowed if they can be delivered directly to the aircraft.	One small bag.
Spain View main guidelines		Liquids purchased from the secure concourse are allowed on the aircraft.	Carry-on baggage is limited to one small bag and one personal item.
Switzerland View main guidelines		Liquids purchased from the secure concourse are allowed on the aircraft.
The United Kingdom View main guidelines	For more details, visit the BAA Web site.†
All Other Routings Not Referenced Above View main guidelines	Check with local airport personnel for current policies regarding carriage of liquids, gels, or aerosols through the security checkpoints.	Check with local airport personnel to determine if items purchased in the secure area of the airport terminal may be brought onboard the aircraft.

 

European Union countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom

 

Examples Of Liquids/Gels/Aerosols

Where noted in the chart above, the following items may be transported in carry-on baggage only if in a 3.4-oz container or smaller and transported in a one-quart clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Otherwise, these items must be packed in checked baggage.

• Toiletries – shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, perfume, shaving foam, aerosols, deodorant, eye care products
• Cosmetic products – perfume, hair spray/gel, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, makeup removers/cleansers, foundation
• Non-solid food items – soups, syrups, pressurized food containers (cheese or whipped cream), gelatin, pudding, yogurt
• Liquid soaps, sanitizers, bath oils, bubble bath
• Any creams, ointments or lotions
• All other liquids/gels not listed here

To Simplify Your Security Screening:

• Place all liquid containers in a separate clear plastic, zip-top bag no larger than 8in x 8in (20cm x 20cm) or is quart size. Items must fit in the bag comfortably so that it closes completely.
• Individual liquid containers should be no larger than 3.4 ounces/100 ml.
• Remove the plastic bag from the cabin bag at the security checkpoint for separate x-ray screening.

Customers carrying liquids in their cabin bags may be subject to secondary searches before boarding.

Duty Free

Liquid Duty Free items purchased in the United States or onboard non-European Union (EU) airlines that exceed 3.4 oz/100 ml and are not in a quart-size plastic bag may be confiscated at the security checkpoint when connecting in Norway, Iceland, Switzerland or any EU country. All non-liquid/gel duty free items will be allowed when connecting.

Electronic Equipment On The Plane

Certain devices used on board the aircraft, both on the ground and during the flight, may radiate electronic pulses affecting the aircraft navigational or communications equipment. While electronic disruptions in the cockpit are rare, they cannot be tolerated at any time. Portable electronic devices, including laptops, must remain off during taxi, takeoff, approach and landing until arrival at the gate when the seat belt sign has been turned off.

Devices that cannot be used onboard include:

• Radios - AM, FM, VHF, battery or cord operated TV sets, TV cameras
• Electronic games or toys with remote control, except those installed on the aircraft
• Cordless computer mouse
• Portable Global Positioning System (GPS.)

Child Safety Seats

For taxi, takeoff, landing, during turbulence, or when the Fasten Seatbelt sign is on, American accepts only FAA approved infant seats/child restraint devices that are certified for use in aircraft. See www.aa.com/children for more information.

Pets

A pet kennel or container that is taken in the cabin counts as either your personal item or your one carry-on bag – the cabin pet charge still applies. See www.aa.com/pets for information on sizes of containers allowed and applicable charges.

Medical Equipment

Hearing aids, heart pacemakers, or other approved medical devices are accepted during all phases of flight. If a passenger must travel with oxygen due to medical necessity, a 48-hour notice is required. You will have the option to indicate a request for special assistance when making your reservation on AA.com. See Special Service Requests for more information.

Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments may be carried onboard the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 dimensional inches (width + length + height), except for guitars which may be brought on board only if they can be safely stowed in an overhead bin or approved stowage location in the cabin.

The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument.

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